Karen Bailey and Nelda Majors, Valley residents who say they have been a couple for decades, rallied in support of same-sex marriage as the Supreme Court considered arguments over Proposition 8, a California law banning such unions. (Cronkite News Service photo by Mary Shinn)

WASHINGTON – Karen Bailey and Nelda Majors have been a couple for more than 50 years, but at a rally outside the Supreme Court they called Tuesday their “moment in history.”

“Why is it because we’re two women, our love is not recognized?” asked Bailey, a featured speaker at a rally in support of same-sex marriage Tuesday, when the high court began two days of historic hearings on the issue.

The Arizona women joined thousands outside the Supreme Court as the justices considered California’s gay marriage ban, Proposition 8. The court will be back Wednesday to consider the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that defines marriage between a man and a woman.

The justices’ decision on Proposition 8, expected sometime this summer, could determine the future of two Arizona laws: A ban on same-sex marriages and a law that eliminated benefits for the domestic partners of state employees.

Outside the court, the debate grew heated as thousands of gay marriage opponents marched from the National Mall to the front of the Supreme Court, where supporters were rallying. Many simply took offense at the government trying to redefine what they see as a religious institution.

“I don’t hate gays,” said Shenaye Holmes, a Maryland resident. “I do want them to come to the knowledge of the truth and to know that marriage in God’s sight is between a man and woman. No matter what any governing body says.”

Mike Foeckler said he came out to Washington to show the Supreme Court that Americans still care about marriage in the traditional sense, and redefining it would be wrong.

“It is just trying to make something normal that’s not natural,” said Foeckler, a Virginia resident.

“God does not like this,” she said. “God created a man and a woman for procreation of the people.”

While opponents cited religion for their cause, other religious leaders called on the court to embrace equality for all couples.

Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, asked the crowd to ignore protesters and focus on the equality that he said gay couples will inevitably win through court, and public, opinion.

“All we’re arguing about now is timing,” he said.

Lawyers for both sides said after Tuesday morning’s arguments that they thought the justices asked fair, knowledgeable questions, but neither side would venture a guess about the ultimate decision.

While gay-rights advocates hold out hope for a sweeping decision that could deem gay marriage bans unconstitutional, some in the crowd were simply encouraged by the hearing and the promise of continued progress.

“I can’t believe that it’s happening,” said Jim Devaty, who came from Pennsylvania with his partner of 23 years.

“Twenty years ago, we thought we were going to be together forever, but the government would always consider us good friends,” Devaty said.

For Jerssay Arredondo, from Phoenix, the rally was opportunity to further not only gay rights but also the rights of undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children.

Arredondo came to Washington with the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project to represent interests of what he said are a quarter-million homosexual undocumented immigrants in America. One of their rallying calls was: “Undocumented, unafraid, undocuqueer and unashamed.”

Arredondo was brought to this country from Mexico as a 3-year-old and he decided to get involved because staying silent in the shadows would not lead to greater equality or opportunity.

“I just want to give back what this great nation has given me,” he said.

Bailey and Majors said they just want equality. That includes the freedom to make decisions for each other’s healthcare and the ability to share equal custody of their children.

The language of California’s 14-word Proposition 8, a 2008 measure banning same-sex marriages, which is being challenged before the Supreme Court:

“This initiative measure is submitted to the people in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8, of the California Constitution.

“This initiative measure expressly amends the California Constitution by adding a section thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be added are printed in italic type to indicate that they are new.

“SECTION 1. Title

This measure shall be known and may be cited as the ‘California Marriage Protection Act.’

“SECTION 2. Section 7.5 is added to Article I of the California Constitution, to read:

“Sec. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

Ignorance has always had such a strong hold on this country. People continue to be afraid of what they do not know or understand. It is not wrong for one person to love another and commit to that love through marriage. Most of the push against same sex marriage stems around religion. Religion and Government should not intersect! The day will come when everyone has the right to pursue life with the partner of their choosing and receive the same benefits once they walk down the aisle.